Topic 1 - Nature of Science
Topic 1 - Nature of Science
Module in
Science, Technology
and Society (Code: GE 106)
Prepared by:
LEA L. MALAPAD
College Lecturer
BSIT Program
School Goals: “Produce highly skilled Industrial Technologists trained in their respective discipline socially responsible for the innovative
state of the art technology and be globally competitive.”
Introduction
In this chapter, you will learn the meaning of science, technology, and society. The three areas
will be treated as a single discipline. The discipline referred to as science, technology and society (STS)
is an integration of the three areas. You will learn how science affects the society and how society
affects science; how science affects technology and how technology affects science; how society affects
technology. The three areas put together will lead us in this course, to study the quality of life. Quality
of life depends on our values. You will specifically learn the ideas and definitions educators and
scientists have about STS.
The word science comes from Latin word "scientia" meaning "knowledge" and in the broadest
sense it is any systematic knowledge-base or prescriptive practice capable of resulting in prediction.
Science can also be understood as a highly skilled technique or practice.
Science is believed to be a systematic study of nature. Those who study science are called
scientists. What is peculiar about scientists is that:
1. They do not accept any information as fact until they gather evidences and other scientist came
up with the same finding. In this scientists are said to be skeptical. (Skepticism)
2. They like to look into everything asking why and how questions (curiosity)
3. They work and keep on working at whatever they suspect will give then a clue to what they
are looking for (Perseverance/Persistence)
4. They take things step by step and they aim at accuracy (Systematism). It is very easy for them
to discover things and even the unexpected because of this alertness
5. They do not like to work in isolation, even if they do they show each other what they have
found (cooperation)
6. Scientists are objective, open-minded, honest, restrained, and willing to change opinion, they
are critical minded. Etc.
Because of these attributes of Scientists, science is said to be dynamic, constantly moving, and
the knowledge changes. What you know yesterday and today may not be an acceptable fact tomorrow
because a theory may have to change when new observations are made. Science is therefore tentative.
The statement that a rose plant does not bear any flower because of lack of carbon dioxide
and water is called hypothesis, which is a tentative solution or generalization to a problem. A big part
of science is to attempt to disprove the hypothesis. If, over time, the hypothesis survives all attempts to
disprove it, it becomes accepted as a theory that is general truth about the natural world but not yet
universally accepted. In biology, one example is the Theory of Evolution. Once the theory is
universally accepted, it becomes a scientific law. Examples of scientific laws are the Law of Inertia.
Law of Gravity and Law of Interaction.
The Scientific Method is a combination of the creative reasoning and testing of hypothesis. It
occurs in a step by step procedures outlined below:
1. Carefully Identify the Problem under study based upon observations of the natural world. To
identify is to specify the problem for the purpose of gathering specific data or information.
2. Gather Specific Data or Information about the specific problem. This information is used to
formulate hypotheses as a tentative solution to the specified problem.
3. Formulate a Hypothesis as a possible answer or solution to the problem. This hypothesis will
be tested in the experimentation process.
4. Plan and conduct an Experiment and Series of Observation to test and verify the validity of the
hypothesis or tentative solution to the problem. It is a controlled attempt to verify and test the
hypothesis.
5. Formulate Conclusion/Generalization based on the facts discovered from the
experimentation/ laboratory activity.
School Goals: “Produce highly skilled Industrial Technologists trained in their respective discipline socially responsible for the innovative
state of the art technology and be globally competitive.”
6. Communicate the Result through television, radio, magazine and science journal for future
application.
7. Apply the Result of the process for the formulation of theory and/or scientific law.
C. Branches of Science
1. Social Science
Social science deals with the human being and their interaction with each other.
Sub-branches:
a. Demography - The science of vital and social statistics such as birth and marriage of the
population.
b. History - Study of past occurrences
c. Psychology - Study of human behavior
d. Sociology - Study of man and his relationship with other men towards society.
2. Abstract Science
Abstract science deals with the abstract ideas and employs the mental faculties.
Sub-branches:
a. Computer Science - Study of mathematics and technology of computers and their
applications
b. Geometry - A form of mathematics that deals with among others, the deduction of
properties, measures and their relationship of parts, lines and angles in space
c. Logic - The science of correct or reliable reasoning
d. Logistics - Military science dealing with the procurement, maintenance, and
transportation of facilities
e. Mathematics - Study of numbers and measurements
f. Numerology - The study of numbers as in a person‟s birthdate to interpret his or his
character
g. Numismatics - The study and collection of coins, medals, or paper money
h. Philately - Collection and study of religious items
i. Philosophy - The study of the truth and principles of being, knowledge and conduct
3. Natural Science
Divided into physical and biological sciences. It does not simply describe and explain
nature.
Physical Science
Sub-branches:
a. Astronautics - The science of travel beyond the earth‟s atmosphere including
interplanetary and interstellar flights.
b. Astronomy - The science that deals with the material universe beyond the earth‟s
atmosphere
c. Biochemistry - The study of chemistry of living cells, tissues, organs and organisms;
study of living matter and of the chemical processes that occur in living organisms.
School Goals: “Produce highly skilled Industrial Technologists trained in their respective discipline socially responsible for the innovative
state of the art technology and be globally competitive.”
d. Chemistry - Deals with matter and its properties, composition and its structure.
e. Geography - The science dealing with the earth‟s surface and such elements as
climate.
f. Geology - The study of the earth and its history, including its rocks and its physical
changes
g. Meteorology - Science dealing with the atmosphere, and its phenomena, including
weather and climate
h. Mineralogy - Science or study of minerals
i. Physics - Science dealing with the properties, changes, interactions of matter and
energy.
j. Seismology- The science of earthquakes and their phenomena
Biological Science
Sub-branches:
a. Bacteriology - The study of bacteria
b. Biology - The study of life
c. Biophysics - The branch of biology dealing with the study of biological structures and
processes by means of methods of physics
d. Botany - The study of plants
e. Cytology - The study of cells
f. Ecology - The branch of biology dealing with the relationship between organisms and
their environment
g. Entomology - The branch of zoology dealing with insects
h. Genetics - The study heredity
i. Ichthyology - The branch of biology dealing with fishes
j. Microbiology - The study of microscopic organisms
k. Mycology - The study of fungi
l. Oceanography - The body of science dealing with the ocean
m. Ophthalmology - The branch of medicine dealing with the anatomy, functions and
diseases of the eyes
n. Ornithology - The branch of zoology dealing with birds
o. Orthodontics - The branch of dentistry dealing with prevention and correction of
irregular dentition.
p. Orthopedics - The correction or cure of deformities and diseases of the skeletal system.
q. Pathology - The science of the origin and nature of disease
r. Pharmacology - The science dealing with the discovery, chemistry, composition,
identification, effects and uses and manufacture of drugs
s. Pharmacy - The art and science of dispensing drugs
t. Physiology - The science dealing with functions of living organisms and their parts
u. Protozoology - The study of one celled animals
v. Taxonomy - Biological classification of diverse kind of organisms
w. Virology - The study of virus
x. Zoology - The study of animals
School Goals: “Produce highly skilled Industrial Technologists trained in their respective discipline socially responsible for the innovative
state of the art technology and be globally competitive.”
School Goals: “Produce highly skilled Industrial Technologists trained in their respective discipline socially responsible for the innovative
state of the art technology and be globally competitive.”
School Goals: “Produce highly skilled Industrial Technologists trained in their respective discipline socially responsible for the innovative
state of the art technology and be globally competitive.”
School Goals: “Produce highly skilled Industrial Technologists trained in their respective discipline socially responsible for the innovative
state of the art technology and be globally competitive.”
p. Joseph Lister(1827-1912)
An English surgeon, who was the first to solve the problem of wound
infection after surgery.
Lister‟s first important scientific contribution entitled:
- An Essay on the Early Stages of Inflammation
- On the Antiseptic Principle in the Practice of Surgery
School Goals: “Produce highly skilled Industrial Technologists trained in their respective discipline socially responsible for the innovative
state of the art technology and be globally competitive.”
r. Isaac Newton(1642-1727)
He formulated the Laws of Universal Gravitation.
The result is one of the most important and influential works on
physics of all times– Philosohiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica
(Mathematical Principles of Natural philosophy, 1687) or Principia
Mathematica.
t. Joseph T. Thompson(1856-1946)
It was he who discovered the theory of electron and established the
theory of electrical nature of matter.
Thompson‟s experiment on cathode rays led this discovery of negatively
charged particles.
School Goals: “Produce highly skilled Industrial Technologists trained in their respective discipline socially responsible for the innovative
state of the art technology and be globally competitive.”
b. Angel C. Alcala
The world‟s leading authority on Community Ecology, Biogeography
and Systematics of Amphibians/Reptiles.
He was the first scientist to develop a project to create artificial coral
reefs.
He became a secretary of the Philippine Department of the
Environmental and Natural Resources and director of the Institute of
Marine Biology at the University of the Philippines.
School Goals: “Produce highly skilled Industrial Technologists trained in their respective discipline socially responsible for the innovative
state of the art technology and be globally competitive.”
c. Magdalena C. Cantoria
Pharmacist and botanist who focused her research efforts on the
morphology, physiology, and biochemistry of drugs plants.
She has done basic studies on the pharmacognosy of agar, rauwolfia,
datura, mint and Piper species.
She is also a recipient of the Phi Sigma awards for marked distinction in
biology in 1951 and was proclaimed the Most Outstanding Phi Sigma
in 1977.
e. Fe Del Mundo
Dr. Fe Del Mundo was born in Marinduque.
She invented the incubator and the jaundice relieving device as her
contribution to the world of Medical Technology.
In 1980, the National Science and Technology Authority proclaimed
her National Scientist because of her dedication, serving different public
and private associations and agencies.
School Goals: “Produce highly skilled Industrial Technologists trained in their respective discipline socially responsible for the innovative
state of the art technology and be globally competitive.”
g. Pedro B. Escuro
As a scientist, Escuro has made significant contributions to rice breeding
as plant breeder and a professor.
Escuro has 18 honors and awards to his name including two
Presidential awards--- the Presidential Plaque of Merit for outstanding
accomplishments in rice improvement (1967) and the Rizal Pro Patria
award for his outstanding contribution to rice breeding and genetics.
He also received the University of the Philippines Distinguished
Professional Award in agricultural (1973) and Dr. of Science honoris
causa in 1974, and the 2974 Ayala award in agricultural science.
i. Carmen L. Intengan
A researcher and a science administrator, has contributed much to the
advancement of nutrition in the country, having served as the director
of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute from 1974-1980.
“Nutrition is definitely the key to a healthy individual. Healthy
individuals makes a healthy nation”
She received the Presidential award for outstanding contribution in
basic nutrition research in the past decade (1957), Presidential award
for merit for science (1968), and the NRCP Achievement award (1983).
School Goals: “Produce highly skilled Industrial Technologists trained in their respective discipline socially responsible for the innovative
state of the art technology and be globally competitive.”
j. Alfredo V. Lagmay
Dr. Lagmay pursued a lot of studies relating to experimental analysis of
behavior, behavior modification, relaxation, and hypnosis.
In recognition of his work, the University of the Philippines awarded
him a professional chair in Psychology (1973-1975).
In 1984, he received the Distinguished Service award for significant
contributions to psychology and the social sciences Association for
Anthropological Diplomacy, Politics and Society, in cooperation with the
association of Third World Anthropologists.
k. Geminiano T. De Ocampo
The most notable opthalmologist in the country, Dr. de Ocampo
introduced corneal transplantation in the Philippines and designed a
corneal dissector. Aside from these achievements, he also established the
De Ocampo Eye Hospital in the country.
Succeeded in amending R.A. 343 regarding eye donations, this became
R.A. 349, allowing the donation of part of the human body for specific
purposes by any person before he dies.
In 1977, Dr. Geminiano de Ocampo was elevated to the Philippine
Opthalmology.
l. Eduardo A. Quisumbing
A foremost botanist, his book Medicinal Plants in the Philippines is the
foremost of all the researches on medical plants in the country.
Recipient of the Distinguished Service Star (1954) for outstanding
contribution to the field of systematic botany; Diploma of Merit on
Orchidiology and Fellow Gold Medal: Malaysian Orchids Society
(1966), Gold Medalist, American Orchids Society and 1975 PHILAAS
(Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science) Most
outstanding Award.
m. Francisco Quisumbing
He invented the Quink trademark ink, the indelible ink which is a
Parker commercial stamp.
Quink stands for Quisumbing Ink. It cleans the pen as it writes and dries
quickly on paper but remains liquid inside the pen.
School Goals: “Produce highly skilled Industrial Technologists trained in their respective discipline socially responsible for the innovative
state of the art technology and be globally competitive.”
o. Jose N. Rodriguez
He is renowned Filipino leprologist and researcher who has devoted 53
years of his life to the control of leprosy in the country.
In recognition of his untiring struggle to control and eradicate leprosy in
the Philippines, he is the recipient of many honors and awards including
the 1974 Damien Dutton Award.
q. Carmen C. Velasquez
Dr. Velasquez‟ contribution to science includes 32 species and a new
genus of digenetic rematodes from Philippines. Most of these works
were published in international journals and cited a number of
journals abroad.
Dr. Velasquez is the recipient of numerous academic honors and
Presidential awards. She is listed in the American Men and Women of
Science and in the International Scholars Directory, among others.
School Goals: “Produce highly skilled Industrial Technologists trained in their respective discipline socially responsible for the innovative
state of the art technology and be globally competitive.”
r. Gregorio T. Velasquez
Dr. Velasquez pioneered in Philippine Psychology made the first
intensive study of the local Myxophyceae or bluegreen algae from
which he received local and international recognition.
Among his honors are Distinguished Science Medal and Diploma of
Honor from the Republic of the Philippines (1956), Division of
Biological Sciences (1969) and the Republic of the Philippines Cultural
Heritage award (1972).
s. Gregorio Y. Zara
Dr. Zara‟s important achievements include: the invention of two-way
television-telephone, electric kinetic resistance known as Zara‟s effect,
airplane engine using alcohol fuel which was first flown at the Manila
International Airport on September 1954 and solar energy.
He was the recipient of a Presidential Diploma Merit and Distinguished
Service Medal in1959 for his pioneering works and achievements in
solar energy, aeronautics and television; Presidential Gold Medal and
Diploma of Honor for Science and Research in 1966 and Cultural
Heritage award for Science Education and Aero Engineering in 1966.
References:
School Goals: “Produce highly skilled Industrial Technologists trained in their respective discipline socially responsible for the innovative
state of the art technology and be globally competitive.”